Dover Books on Physics
Hans Reichenbach · David L. Goodstein · Donald H. Menzel · Harry J. Lipkin · Mark A. Heald · Martin A. Uman · Max Born · Peter T. Landsberg · Richard E. Meyer · Roy McWeeny · Thomas F. Jordan · Walter A. Harrison
Dernière date de sortie : 28 février 2018
Série
142
Livres
À propos de cette série d'e-books
"A large number of exercises of a broad range of difficulty make this book even more useful…a good addition to the literature on thermodynamics at the undergraduate level." — Philosophical Magazine
Although written on an introductory level, this wide-ranging text provides extensive coverage of topics of current interest in equilibrium statistical mechanics. Indeed, certain traditional topics are given somewhat condensed treatment to allow room for a survey of more recent advances.
The book is divided into four major sections. Part I deals with the principles of quantum statistical mechanics and includes discussions of energy levels, states and eigenfunctions, degeneracy and other topics. Part II examines systems composed of independent molecules or of other independent subsystems. Topics range from ideal monatomic gas and monatomic crystals to polyatomic gas and configuration of polymer molecules and rubber elasticity. An examination of systems of interacting molecules comprises the nine chapters in Part Ill, reviewing such subjects as lattice statistics, imperfect gases and dilute liquid solutions. Part IV covers quantum statistics and includes sections on Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics, photon gas and free-volume theories of quantum liquids.
Each chapter includes problems varying in difficulty — ranging from simple numerical exercises to small-scale "research" propositions. In addition, supplementary reading lists for each chapter invite students to pursue the subject at a more advanced level. Readers are assumed to have studied thermodynamics, calculus, elementary differential equations and elementary quantum mechanics.
Because of the flexibility of the chapter arrangements, this book especially lends itself to use in a one-or two-semester graduate course in chemistry, a one-semester senior or graduate course in physics or an introductory course in statistical mechanics.
An Introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics
Livre 1 · juin 2012 ·
5,0star
"A large number of exercises of a broad range of difficulty make this book even more useful…a good addition to the literature on thermodynamics at the undergraduate level." — Philosophical Magazine
Although written on an introductory level, this wide-ranging text provides extensive coverage of topics of current interest in equilibrium statistical mechanics. Indeed, certain traditional topics are given somewhat condensed treatment to allow room for a survey of more recent advances.
The book is divided into four major sections. Part I deals with the principles of quantum statistical mechanics and includes discussions of energy levels, states and eigenfunctions, degeneracy and other topics. Part II examines systems composed of independent molecules or of other independent subsystems. Topics range from ideal monatomic gas and monatomic crystals to polyatomic gas and configuration of polymer molecules and rubber elasticity. An examination of systems of interacting molecules comprises the nine chapters in Part Ill, reviewing such subjects as lattice statistics, imperfect gases and dilute liquid solutions. Part IV covers quantum statistics and includes sections on Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics, photon gas and free-volume theories of quantum liquids.
Each chapter includes problems varying in difficulty — ranging from simple numerical exercises to small-scale "research" propositions. In addition, supplementary reading lists for each chapter invite students to pursue the subject at a more advanced level. Readers are assumed to have studied thermodynamics, calculus, elementary differential equations and elementary quantum mechanics.
Because of the flexibility of the chapter arrangements, this book especially lends itself to use in a one-or two-semester graduate course in chemistry, a one-semester senior or graduate course in physics or an introductory course in statistical mechanics.
Although written on an introductory level, this wide-ranging text provides extensive coverage of topics of current interest in equilibrium statistical mechanics. Indeed, certain traditional topics are given somewhat condensed treatment to allow room for a survey of more recent advances.
The book is divided into four major sections. Part I deals with the principles of quantum statistical mechanics and includes discussions of energy levels, states and eigenfunctions, degeneracy and other topics. Part II examines systems composed of independent molecules or of other independent subsystems. Topics range from ideal monatomic gas and monatomic crystals to polyatomic gas and configuration of polymer molecules and rubber elasticity. An examination of systems of interacting molecules comprises the nine chapters in Part Ill, reviewing such subjects as lattice statistics, imperfect gases and dilute liquid solutions. Part IV covers quantum statistics and includes sections on Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics, photon gas and free-volume theories of quantum liquids.
Each chapter includes problems varying in difficulty — ranging from simple numerical exercises to small-scale "research" propositions. In addition, supplementary reading lists for each chapter invite students to pursue the subject at a more advanced level. Readers are assumed to have studied thermodynamics, calculus, elementary differential equations and elementary quantum mechanics.
Because of the flexibility of the chapter arrangements, this book especially lends itself to use in a one-or two-semester graduate course in chemistry, a one-semester senior or graduate course in physics or an introductory course in statistical mechanics.
Fundamentals of Mathematical Physics
Livre 2 · janv. 2013 ·
4,0star
Indispensable for students of modern physics, this text provides the necessary background in mathematics for the study of electromagnetic theory and quantum mechanics. Clear discussions explain the particulars of vector algebra, matrix and tensor algebra, vector calculus, functions of a complex variable, integral transforms, linear differential equations, and partial differential equations.
This volume collects under one cover the mathematical ideas formerly available only by taking many separate courses. It offers in-depth treatments, with a minimum of mathematical formalism. Suitable for students of physics, allied sciences, and engineering, its only prerequisites are a course in introductory physics and a course in calculus. Examples at the end of each chapter reinforce many important techniques developed in the text, and numerous graded problems make this volume suitable for independent study.
This volume collects under one cover the mathematical ideas formerly available only by taking many separate courses. It offers in-depth treatments, with a minimum of mathematical formalism. Suitable for students of physics, allied sciences, and engineering, its only prerequisites are a course in introductory physics and a course in calculus. Examples at the end of each chapter reinforce many important techniques developed in the text, and numerous graded problems make this volume suitable for independent study.
A Guide to Feynman Diagrams in the Many-Body Problem: Second Edition
Livre 3 · août 2012 ·
5,0star
"A great delight to read." — Physics Today
Among the most fertile areas of modern physics, many-body theory has produced a wealth of fundamental results in all areas of the discipline. Unfortunately the subject is notoriously difficult and, until the publication of this book, most treatments of the topic were inaccessible to the average experimenter or non-specialist theoretician.
The present work, by contrast, is well within the grasp of the nonexpert. It is intended primarily as a "self-study" book that introduces one aspect of many-body theory, i.e. the method of Feynman diagrams. The book also lends itself to use as a reference in courses on solid state and nuclear physics which make some use of the many-body techniques. And, finally, it can be used as a supplementary reference in a many-body course.
Chapters 1 through 6 provide an introduction to the major concepts of the field, among them Feynman diagrams, quasi-particles and vacuum amplitudes. Chapters 7 through 16 give basic coverage to topics ranging from Dyson's equation and the ladder approximation to Fermi systems at finite temperature and superconductivity. Appendixes summarize the Dirac formalism and include a rigorous derivation of the rules for diagrams. Problems are provided at the end of each chapter and solutions are given at the back of the book.
For this second edition, Dr. Mattuck, formerly of the H. C. Orsted Institute and the University of Copenhagen, added to many chapters a new section showing in mathematical detail how typical many-body calculations with Feynman diagrams are carried out. In addition, new exercises were included, some of which gave the reader the opportunity to carry out simpler many-body calculations himself. new chapter on the quantum field theory of phase transitions rounds out this unusually clear, helpful and informative guide to the physics of the many-body problem.
Among the most fertile areas of modern physics, many-body theory has produced a wealth of fundamental results in all areas of the discipline. Unfortunately the subject is notoriously difficult and, until the publication of this book, most treatments of the topic were inaccessible to the average experimenter or non-specialist theoretician.
The present work, by contrast, is well within the grasp of the nonexpert. It is intended primarily as a "self-study" book that introduces one aspect of many-body theory, i.e. the method of Feynman diagrams. The book also lends itself to use as a reference in courses on solid state and nuclear physics which make some use of the many-body techniques. And, finally, it can be used as a supplementary reference in a many-body course.
Chapters 1 through 6 provide an introduction to the major concepts of the field, among them Feynman diagrams, quasi-particles and vacuum amplitudes. Chapters 7 through 16 give basic coverage to topics ranging from Dyson's equation and the ladder approximation to Fermi systems at finite temperature and superconductivity. Appendixes summarize the Dirac formalism and include a rigorous derivation of the rules for diagrams. Problems are provided at the end of each chapter and solutions are given at the back of the book.
For this second edition, Dr. Mattuck, formerly of the H. C. Orsted Institute and the University of Copenhagen, added to many chapters a new section showing in mathematical detail how typical many-body calculations with Feynman diagrams are carried out. In addition, new exercises were included, some of which gave the reader the opportunity to carry out simpler many-body calculations himself. new chapter on the quantum field theory of phase transitions rounds out this unusually clear, helpful and informative guide to the physics of the many-body problem.
The Electromagnetic Field
Livre 4 · avr. 2012 ·
4,5star
This outstanding volume, designed for junior and senior undergraduates in physics or electrical engineering, is an unusually comprehensive treatment of the subject. The book begins with the basis of electric and magnetic fields and builds up to electromagnetic theory, followed by a number of related and subsidiary topics, including relativity.
Chapter 1 gives a detailed treatment of the del operator with many examples. Chapters 2–7 cover magnetostatics and electrostatics, including Coulomb's law, electrostatic and magnetostatic curl in a vacuum, Gauss's law, electrostatic and magnetostatic divergence in a vacuum, and electrostatics and magnetostatics in matter. Chapter 8 is devoted to three special methods for solving various problems in electrostatics. Chapter 9 deals with metallic conduction, and chapter 10 is concerned with ferromagnetism. Chapter 11 discusses the basic phenomena associated with variations in time. Then chapter 12 treats electric circuits. After chapters on special relativity and the connection between electricity and magnetism, the last five chapters deal with waves of various kinds: plane waves, transmission lines, reflection and refraction, guided waves, and radiation.
In each section of each chapter, there are several worked-out examples, illustrating practical applications of the preceding theory. In addition, each section concludes with a collection of 15 to 20 problems, resulting in a total of over 900 problems in the text, conveniently grouped by subject. Answers for the odd-numbered problems are provided at the back of the book.
Professor Shadowitz (Fairleigh Dickinson University) is well known for his often novel perspective and his ability to bridge the world of the theoretical physicist and the practical electrical engineer. This well-written text, esteemed in the field for its original and interesting material, offers an excellent exhibition of his uncommon pedagogical skills.
Chapter 1 gives a detailed treatment of the del operator with many examples. Chapters 2–7 cover magnetostatics and electrostatics, including Coulomb's law, electrostatic and magnetostatic curl in a vacuum, Gauss's law, electrostatic and magnetostatic divergence in a vacuum, and electrostatics and magnetostatics in matter. Chapter 8 is devoted to three special methods for solving various problems in electrostatics. Chapter 9 deals with metallic conduction, and chapter 10 is concerned with ferromagnetism. Chapter 11 discusses the basic phenomena associated with variations in time. Then chapter 12 treats electric circuits. After chapters on special relativity and the connection between electricity and magnetism, the last five chapters deal with waves of various kinds: plane waves, transmission lines, reflection and refraction, guided waves, and radiation.
In each section of each chapter, there are several worked-out examples, illustrating practical applications of the preceding theory. In addition, each section concludes with a collection of 15 to 20 problems, resulting in a total of over 900 problems in the text, conveniently grouped by subject. Answers for the odd-numbered problems are provided at the back of the book.
Professor Shadowitz (Fairleigh Dickinson University) is well known for his often novel perspective and his ability to bridge the world of the theoretical physicist and the practical electrical engineer. This well-written text, esteemed in the field for its original and interesting material, offers an excellent exhibition of his uncommon pedagogical skills.
Classical Electricity and Magnetism: Second Edition
Livre 5 · juil. 2012 ·
0,0star
Compact, clear, and precise in its presentation, this distinguished, widely used textbook offers graduate students and advanced undergraduates a diverse and well-balanced selection of topics.
Subjects include the electrostatic field in vacuum; boundary conditions and relation of microscopic to macroscopic fields; general methods for the solution of potential problems, including those of two and three dimensions; energy relations and forces in the electrostatic field; steady currents and their interaction; magnet materials and boundary value problems; and Maxwell’s equations. Additional topics include energy, force, and momentum relations in the electromagnetic field; the wave equation and plane waves; conducting fluids in a magnetic field; waves in the presence of metallic boundaries; the inhomogeneous wave equation; the experimental basis for the theory of special relativity; relativistic kinematics and the Lorentz transformation; covariance and relativistic mechanics; covariant formulation of electrodynamics; and the Liénard-Wiechert potentials and the field of a uniformly moving electron.
The text concludes with examinations of radiation from an accelerated charge; radiation reaction and covariant formulation of the conservation laws of electrodynamics; radiation, scattering, and dispersion; the motion of charged particles in electromagnetic fields; and Hamiltonian formulation of Maxwell’s equations.
Subjects include the electrostatic field in vacuum; boundary conditions and relation of microscopic to macroscopic fields; general methods for the solution of potential problems, including those of two and three dimensions; energy relations and forces in the electrostatic field; steady currents and their interaction; magnet materials and boundary value problems; and Maxwell’s equations. Additional topics include energy, force, and momentum relations in the electromagnetic field; the wave equation and plane waves; conducting fluids in a magnetic field; waves in the presence of metallic boundaries; the inhomogeneous wave equation; the experimental basis for the theory of special relativity; relativistic kinematics and the Lorentz transformation; covariance and relativistic mechanics; covariant formulation of electrodynamics; and the Liénard-Wiechert potentials and the field of a uniformly moving electron.
The text concludes with examinations of radiation from an accelerated charge; radiation reaction and covariant formulation of the conservation laws of electrodynamics; radiation, scattering, and dispersion; the motion of charged particles in electromagnetic fields; and Hamiltonian formulation of Maxwell’s equations.
Principles of Electrodynamics
Livre 6 · avr. 2012 ·
4,7star
Unlike most textbooks on electromagnetic theory, which treat electricity, magnetism, Coulomb's law and Faraday's law as almost independent subjects within the framework of the theory, this well-written text takes a relativistic point of view in which electric and magnetic fields are really different aspects of the same physical quantity.
Suitable for advanced undergraduates and graduate students, this volume offers a superb exposition of the essential unity of electromagnetism in its natural , relativistic framework while demonstrating the powerful constraint of relativistic invariance. It will be seen that all electromagnetism follows from electrostatics and from the requirement for the simplest laws allowable under the relativistic constraint. By means of these insights, the author hopes to encourage students to think about theories as yet undeveloped and to see this model as useful in other areas of physics.
After an introductory chapter establishing the mathematical background of the subject and a survey of some new mathematical ideas, the author reviews the principles of electrostatics. He then introduces Einstein's special theory of relativity and applies it throughout the rest of the book. Topics treated range from Gauss's theorem, Coulomb's law, the Faraday effect and Fresnel's equations to multiple expansion of the radiation field , interference and diffraction, waveguides and cavities and electric and magnetic susceptibility.
Carefully selected problems at the end of each chapter invite readers to test their grasp of the material. Professor Schwartz received his Ph.D. from Columbia University and has taught physics there and at Stanford University. He is perhaps best known for his experimental research in the field of high-energy physics and was a co-discoverer of the muon-type neutrino in 1962. He shared the 1988 Nobel Prize in Physics with Leon M. Lederman and Jack Steinberger.
Suitable for advanced undergraduates and graduate students, this volume offers a superb exposition of the essential unity of electromagnetism in its natural , relativistic framework while demonstrating the powerful constraint of relativistic invariance. It will be seen that all electromagnetism follows from electrostatics and from the requirement for the simplest laws allowable under the relativistic constraint. By means of these insights, the author hopes to encourage students to think about theories as yet undeveloped and to see this model as useful in other areas of physics.
After an introductory chapter establishing the mathematical background of the subject and a survey of some new mathematical ideas, the author reviews the principles of electrostatics. He then introduces Einstein's special theory of relativity and applies it throughout the rest of the book. Topics treated range from Gauss's theorem, Coulomb's law, the Faraday effect and Fresnel's equations to multiple expansion of the radiation field , interference and diffraction, waveguides and cavities and electric and magnetic susceptibility.
Carefully selected problems at the end of each chapter invite readers to test their grasp of the material. Professor Schwartz received his Ph.D. from Columbia University and has taught physics there and at Stanford University. He is perhaps best known for his experimental research in the field of high-energy physics and was a co-discoverer of the muon-type neutrino in 1962. He shared the 1988 Nobel Prize in Physics with Leon M. Lederman and Jack Steinberger.
Quantum Field Theory
Livre 7 · sept. 2012 ·
3,7star
Quantum field theory remains among the most important tools in defining and explaining the microscopic world. Recent years have witnessed a blossoming of developments and applications that extend far beyond the theory's original scope. This comprehensive text offers a balanced treatment, providing students with both a formal presentation and numerous practical examples of calculations.
This two-part approach begins with the standard quantization of electrodynamics, culminating in the perturbative renormalization. The second part comprises functional methods, relativistic bound states, broken symmetries, nonabelian gauge fields, and asymptotic behavior. Appropriate for students and researchers in field theory, particle physics, and related areas, this treatment presupposes a background in quantum mechanics, electrodynamics, and relativity, and it assumes some familiarity with classical calculus, including group theory and complex analysis.
This two-part approach begins with the standard quantization of electrodynamics, culminating in the perturbative renormalization. The second part comprises functional methods, relativistic bound states, broken symmetries, nonabelian gauge fields, and asymptotic behavior. Appropriate for students and researchers in field theory, particle physics, and related areas, this treatment presupposes a background in quantum mechanics, electrodynamics, and relativity, and it assumes some familiarity with classical calculus, including group theory and complex analysis.
The Theory of Sound, Volume One
Livre 1 · janv. 2013 ·
4,0star
"An outstanding treatise." — Review of Scientific Instruments
"Astonishing how this treatise … still retains a place of preeminence in modern acoustical literature." — Electronics Industry
The major work by a Nobel Laureate who was among the greatest of 19th-century physicists is a standard compendium which has served generations of acousticians, physicists, and mathematical physicists as the classic coverage of all aspects of sound, both experimental and theoretical.
The book sums up previous research and offers original contributions of Lord Rayleigh. It is, therefore, not only a reference book, but a book of great practical utility for all readers concerned with scientific aspects of sound. Volume 1 covers harmonic vibrations, systems with one degree of freedom, vibrating systems in general, transverse vibrations of strings, longitudinal and torsional vibrations of bars, vibrations of membranes and plates, curved shells and plates, and electrical vibrations. Volume II covers aerial vibrations, vibrations in tubes, reflection and refraction of plane waves, general equations, theory of resonators, Laplace's functions and acoustics, spherical sheets of air, vibration of solid bodies, and facts and theories of audition.
"Astonishing how this treatise … still retains a place of preeminence in modern acoustical literature." — Electronics Industry
The major work by a Nobel Laureate who was among the greatest of 19th-century physicists is a standard compendium which has served generations of acousticians, physicists, and mathematical physicists as the classic coverage of all aspects of sound, both experimental and theoretical.
The book sums up previous research and offers original contributions of Lord Rayleigh. It is, therefore, not only a reference book, but a book of great practical utility for all readers concerned with scientific aspects of sound. Volume 1 covers harmonic vibrations, systems with one degree of freedom, vibrating systems in general, transverse vibrations of strings, longitudinal and torsional vibrations of bars, vibrations of membranes and plates, curved shells and plates, and electrical vibrations. Volume II covers aerial vibrations, vibrations in tubes, reflection and refraction of plane waves, general equations, theory of resonators, Laplace's functions and acoustics, spherical sheets of air, vibration of solid bodies, and facts and theories of audition.
Colliding Plane Waves in General Relativity
Livre 121 · avr. 2016 ·
4,0star
This monograph surveys recent research on the collision and interaction of gravitational and electromagnetic waves. "This is a particularly important topic in general relativity," the author notes, "since the theory predicts that there will be a nonlinear interaction between such waves." Geared toward graduate students and researchers in general relativity, the text offers a comprehensive and unified review of the vast literature on the subject.
The first eight chapters offer background, presenting the field equations and discussing some qualitative aspects of their solution. Subsequent chapters explore further exact solutions for colliding plane gravitational waves and the collision and interaction of electromagnetic waves. The final chapters summarize all related results for the collision of plane waves of different types and in non-flat backgrounds. A new postscript updates developments since the book's initial 1991 publication.
The first eight chapters offer background, presenting the field equations and discussing some qualitative aspects of their solution. Subsequent chapters explore further exact solutions for colliding plane gravitational waves and the collision and interaction of electromagnetic waves. The final chapters summarize all related results for the collision of plane waves of different types and in non-flat backgrounds. A new postscript updates developments since the book's initial 1991 publication.
Chaotic Dynamics of Nonlinear Systems
Livre 120 · juil. 2015 ·
5,0star
Written when the young science of chaos was gaining a foothold in the scientific community, this book introduces the field's concepts, applications, theory, and technique. Suitable for advanced undergraduates and graduate students, researchers, and teachers of mathematics, physics, and engineering, the text's major prerequisite is familiarity with differential equations and linear vector spaces.
Author S. Neil Rasband discusses the major models for the transitions to chaos exhibited by dynamic systems, introducing the "classical" topics and examples fundamental to the discipline. The most important routes to chaos are presented within a unified framework and supported by integrated problem sets. Topics include one- and two-dimensional maps, universality theory, fractal dimension, differential and conservative dynamics, and other subjects. The text is supplemented by a helpful glossary, references, and an index.
Author S. Neil Rasband discusses the major models for the transitions to chaos exhibited by dynamic systems, introducing the "classical" topics and examples fundamental to the discipline. The most important routes to chaos are presented within a unified framework and supported by integrated problem sets. Topics include one- and two-dimensional maps, universality theory, fractal dimension, differential and conservative dynamics, and other subjects. The text is supplemented by a helpful glossary, references, and an index.
Relativistic Wave Mechanics
Livre 119 · juin 2015 ·
4,3star
Geared toward advanced undergraduate and graduate students of physics, this text provides readers with a background in relativistic wave mechanics and prepares them for the study of field theory. The treatment originated as a series of lectures from a course on advanced quantum mechanics that has been further amplified by student contributions.
An introductory section related to particles and wave functions precedes the three-part treatment. An examination of particles of spin zero follows, addressing wave equation, Lagrangian formalism, physical quantities as mean values, translation and rotation operators, spin zero particles in electromagnetic field, pi-mesic atoms, and discontinuous transformations. The second section explores particles of spin one-half in terms of spin operators, the Weyl and Dirac equations, constants of motion, plane wave solutions and invariance properties of the Dirac equation, the Dirac equation for a charged particle in an electromagnetic field, non-relativistic limit of the Dirac equation, and Dirac particle in a central electrostatic field. The final section, on collision and radiation processes, covers time-independent scattering of a spinless particle, non-relativistic steady-state scattering of a particle of spin one-half, time-independent scattering of Dirac particles, non-relativistic time-dependent scattering theory, emission and absorption of electromagnetic radiation, and time-dependent relativistic scattering theory.
An introductory section related to particles and wave functions precedes the three-part treatment. An examination of particles of spin zero follows, addressing wave equation, Lagrangian formalism, physical quantities as mean values, translation and rotation operators, spin zero particles in electromagnetic field, pi-mesic atoms, and discontinuous transformations. The second section explores particles of spin one-half in terms of spin operators, the Weyl and Dirac equations, constants of motion, plane wave solutions and invariance properties of the Dirac equation, the Dirac equation for a charged particle in an electromagnetic field, non-relativistic limit of the Dirac equation, and Dirac particle in a central electrostatic field. The final section, on collision and radiation processes, covers time-independent scattering of a spinless particle, non-relativistic steady-state scattering of a particle of spin one-half, time-independent scattering of Dirac particles, non-relativistic time-dependent scattering theory, emission and absorption of electromagnetic radiation, and time-dependent relativistic scattering theory.
Quantum Mechanics
Livre 118 · mai 2015 ·
5,0star
Suitable for advanced undergraduates, this thorough text focuses on the role of symmetry operations and the essentially algebraic structure of quantum-mechanical theory. Based on courses in quantum mechanics taught by the authors, the treatment provides numerous problems that require applications of theory and serve to supplement the textual material.
Starting with a historical introduction to the origins of quantum theory, the book advances to discussions of the foundations of wave mechanics, wave packets and the uncertainty principle, and an examination of the Schrödinger equation that includes a selection of one-dimensional problems. Subsequent topics include operators and eigenfunctions, scattering theory, matrix mechanics, angular momentum and spin, and perturbation theory. The text concludes with a brief treatment of identical particles and a helpful Appendix.
Starting with a historical introduction to the origins of quantum theory, the book advances to discussions of the foundations of wave mechanics, wave packets and the uncertainty principle, and an examination of the Schrödinger equation that includes a selection of one-dimensional problems. Subsequent topics include operators and eigenfunctions, scattering theory, matrix mechanics, angular momentum and spin, and perturbation theory. The text concludes with a brief treatment of identical particles and a helpful Appendix.
Modern Physics: The Quantum Physics of Atoms, Solids, and Nuclei: Third Edition
Livre 117 · janv. 2015 ·
4,7star
This introduction to the concepts and methods of quantum mechanics employs the analysis of one-dimensional problems to offer students a quantitative understanding of atomic, molecular, solid-state, and nuclear physics. Applications of these concepts and methods help answer the most intriguing questions of modern physics: What holds matter together? Holds it apart? How does the variety of chemical properties of different elements arise? How do electrons move through solids? Why do nuclei that occur in nature possess only certain combinations of protons and neutrons?
The text presents meaningful problems by topic — supplemented by ample illustrations, applications, and exercises — that address the most intriguing questions of modern physics. Answers to selected problems appear in the appendix. Geared toward science and engineering majors, this volume is also appropriate for independent study by those who have completed a general physics course.
The text presents meaningful problems by topic — supplemented by ample illustrations, applications, and exercises — that address the most intriguing questions of modern physics. Answers to selected problems appear in the appendix. Geared toward science and engineering majors, this volume is also appropriate for independent study by those who have completed a general physics course.
Elementary Principles in Statistical Mechanics
Livre 115 · sept. 2014 ·
4,0star
Written by J. Willard Gibbs, the most distinguished American mathematical physicist of the nineteenth century, this book was the first to bring together and arrange in logical order the works of Clausius, Maxwell, Boltzmann, and Gibbs himself. The lucid, advanced-level text remains a valuable collection of fundamental equations and principles.
Topics include the general problem and the fundamental equation of statistical mechanics, the canonical distribution of the average energy values in a canonical ensemble of systems, and formulas for evaluating important functions of the energies of a system. Additional discussions cover maximum and minimal properties of distribution in phase, a valuable comparison of statistical mechanics with thermodynamics, and many other subjects.
Topics include the general problem and the fundamental equation of statistical mechanics, the canonical distribution of the average energy values in a canonical ensemble of systems, and formulas for evaluating important functions of the energies of a system. Additional discussions cover maximum and minimal properties of distribution in phase, a valuable comparison of statistical mechanics with thermodynamics, and many other subjects.
Mathematics of Relativity
Livre 114 · août 2014 ·
4,5star
Based on the ideas of Einstein and Minkowski, this concise treatment is derived from the author's many years of teaching the mathematics of relativity at the University of Michigan. Geared toward advanced undergraduates and graduate students of physics, the text covers old physics, new geometry, special relativity, curved space, and general relativity.
Beginning with a discussion of the inverse square law in terms of simple calculus, the treatment gradually introduces increasingly complicated situations and more sophisticated mathematical tools. Changes in fundamental concepts, which characterize relativity theory, and the refinements of mathematical technique are incorporated as necessary. The presentation thus offers an easier approach without sacrifice of rigor.
Beginning with a discussion of the inverse square law in terms of simple calculus, the treatment gradually introduces increasingly complicated situations and more sophisticated mathematical tools. Changes in fundamental concepts, which characterize relativity theory, and the refinements of mathematical technique are incorporated as necessary. The presentation thus offers an easier approach without sacrifice of rigor.
States of Matter
Livre 113 · juin 2014 ·
4,2star
This unique overview by a prominent CalTech physicist provides a modern, rigorous, and integrated treatment of the key physical principles and techniques related to gases, liquids, solids, and their phase transitions. No other single volume offers such comprehensive coverage of the subject, and the treatment consistently emphasizes areas in which research results are likely to be applicable to other disciples.
Starting with a chapter on thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, the text proceeds to in-depth discussions of perfect gases, electrons in metals, Bose condensation, fluid structure, potential energy, Weiss molecular field theory, van der Waals equation, and other pertinent aspects of phase transitions. Many helpful illustrative problems appear at the end of each chapter, and annotated bibliographies offer further guidance.
Starting with a chapter on thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, the text proceeds to in-depth discussions of perfect gases, electrons in metals, Bose condensation, fluid structure, potential energy, Weiss molecular field theory, van der Waals equation, and other pertinent aspects of phase transitions. Many helpful illustrative problems appear at the end of each chapter, and annotated bibliographies offer further guidance.
Problems in Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
Livre 112 · juin 2014 ·
5,0star
Well respected and widely used, this volume presents problems and full solutions related to a wide range of topics in thermodynamics, statistical physics, and statistical mechanics. The text is intended for instructors, undergraduates, and graduate students of mathematics, physics, chemistry, and engineering. Twenty-eight chapters, each prepared by an expert, proceed from simpler to more difficult subjects. Similarly, the early chapters are easier than the later ones, making the book ideal for independent study.
Subjects begin with the laws of thermodynamics and statistical theory of information and of ensembles, advancing to the ideal classical gases of polyatomic molecules, non-electrolyte liquids and solutions, and surfaces. Subsequent chapters explore imperfect classical and quantum gas, phase transitions, cooperative phenomena, Green function methods, the plasma, transport in gases and metals, Nyquist's theorem and its generalizations, stochastic methods, and many other topics.
Subjects begin with the laws of thermodynamics and statistical theory of information and of ensembles, advancing to the ideal classical gases of polyatomic molecules, non-electrolyte liquids and solutions, and surfaces. Subsequent chapters explore imperfect classical and quantum gas, phase transitions, cooperative phenomena, Green function methods, the plasma, transport in gases and metals, Nyquist's theorem and its generalizations, stochastic methods, and many other topics.
A Pedestrian Approach to Quantum Field Theory
Livre 111 · mars 2014 ·
4,5star
Written by a renowned professor of physics, this introductory text is geared toward graduate students taking a year-long course in quantum mechanics in which the third quarter is devoted to relativistic wave equations and field theory. Difficult concepts are introduced gradually, and the theory is applied to physically interesting problems.
After an introductory chapter on the formation of quantum mechanics, the treatment advances to examinations of the quantum theory of the free electromagnetic field, the interaction of radiation and matter, second quantization, the interaction of quantized fields, and quantum electrodynamics. Additional topics include the theory of beta decay, particles that interact among themselves, quasi particles in plasmas and metals, and the problem of infinities in quantum electrodynamics. The Appendix contains selected answers to problems that appear throughout the text.
After an introductory chapter on the formation of quantum mechanics, the treatment advances to examinations of the quantum theory of the free electromagnetic field, the interaction of radiation and matter, second quantization, the interaction of quantized fields, and quantum electrodynamics. Additional topics include the theory of beta decay, particles that interact among themselves, quasi particles in plasmas and metals, and the problem of infinities in quantum electrodynamics. The Appendix contains selected answers to problems that appear throughout the text.
The Geometry of Kerr Black Holes
Livre 110 · janv. 2014 ·
5,0star
This unique monograph by a noted UCLA professor examines in detail the mathematics of Kerr black holes, which possess the properties of mass and angular momentum but carry no electrical charge. Suitable for advanced undergraduates and graduate students of mathematics, physics, and astronomy as well as professional physicists, the self-contained treatment constitutes an introduction to modern techniques in differential geometry.
The text begins with a substantial chapter offering background on the mathematics needed for the rest of the book. Subsequent chapters emphasize physical interpretations of geometric properties such as curvature, geodesics, isometries, totally geodesic submanifolds, and topological structure. Further investigations cover relativistic concepts such as causality, Petrov types, optical scalars, and the Goldberg-Sachs theorem. Four helpful appendixes supplement the text.
The text begins with a substantial chapter offering background on the mathematics needed for the rest of the book. Subsequent chapters emphasize physical interpretations of geometric properties such as curvature, geodesics, isometries, totally geodesic submanifolds, and topological structure. Further investigations cover relativistic concepts such as causality, Petrov types, optical scalars, and the Goldberg-Sachs theorem. Four helpful appendixes supplement the text.
Ferrohydrodynamics
Livre 109 · déc. 2013 ·
4,0star
The behavior and dynamics of magnetic fluids receive a coherent, comprehensive treatment in this high-level study. One of the best classical introductions to the subject, the text covers most aspects of particle interaction, from magnetic repulsion to quasi-stable equilibriums and ferrohydrodynamic instabilities. Suitable for graduate students and researchers in physics, engineering, and applied mathematics.